NBCSN Nationally Certified School Nurse Practice Exam 2025 - Free School Nurse Certification Practice Questions and Study Guide

The average respiratory rate for individuals over the age of 12 is generally recognized as being between 12 to 20 breaths per minute, which is considered a normal range for adults and adolescents. This range reflects the number of breaths taken in one minute at rest and accounts for variations in individual health, fitness level, and activity at the time of measurement.

Understanding this range is essential for school nurses and healthcare professionals when assessing respiratory health. A rate outside this range may indicate potential respiratory distress or other medical conditions requiring further evaluation. Recognizing normal physiological parameters is crucial for effective monitoring and intervention in a school setting.

Other ranges listed do not align with typical clinical standards for respiratory rates in adults. For instance, a range of 15-25 would suggest a higher baseline than what is generally accepted as normal, while ranges of 10-15 and 20-30 would be outside the established norms. Hence, knowing the standard range of 12-20 breaths per minute equips medical professionals with a valuable tool for assessing respiratory function.